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Modern Music Theory
SOS Course Icon

Modern Music Theory

Testimonials

Morgaine Barnes

Morgaine Barnes

I have been producing music for a couple of years but have really wanted to build a foundation in music theory. I searched for a long time for a course which not only offers a theory element but is directed at modern music. Part of the reason I moved to Melbourne was for this course and I was not disappointed!! I can now write chord progressions, I know what key my tracks are in and I have learnt the most effective ways of harmonising melodies. What I have learnt from the Modern Music Theory course I can utilise for the rest of my life and I am truly grateful. So thank you School of Synthesis.

Simon Mellor

Simon Mellor

My experience at the School of Synthesis was 10/10 and the Modern Music Theory course was very well taught. Anyone would benefit greatly from this course. The tutor was great and attention to detail is outstanding. Very well executed and overall an excellent experience.

Martin Creely

Martin Creely

I rate the Modern Music Theory course 10/10. The level of content was excellent. There was plenty of space for discussion and chat. The tutor was great and an excellent piano player:)). The class time never seemed to drag and it was easy to go over the finishing time without realising it :).

Umut Akcelik

Umut Akcelik

I’ve completed most courses at School of Synthesis. I’ve learnt a hell of alot about music production and met some really nice people. What I appreciate the most has been the chance to learn from some great teachers. It’s a plus to learn from people who are veterans in the field of electronic music and a good opportunity to discuss ideas in a class environment. I just completed the Modern Music Theory Course. We nailed it in class! For me, there were plenty of wow moments and it’s given me the confidence to write music with intent. Excited to finish some new tracks!

Sam Heywood

Sam Heywood

The Modern Music Theory Course is the first of many I intend on completing at the School Of Synthesis. My only regret is that I did not do this course sooner. Within weeks I have gone from having a basic knowledge of keys to now being very confident in applying music theory to my productions. I can not thank the tutor enough, he was an excellent tutor and he made sure everyone in the class got all that they wanted out of the course plus a whole lot more.

Daniel Mizrachi

Daniel Mizrachi

In my search for a place to study music production, learn about a variety of music software, experiment with digital instruments and meet like-minded electronic music lovers – I was lucky enough to find the School of Synthesis. I have done many of the courses available and learned much from seasoned musicians/music producers. One which I very much enjoyed was the Modern Music Theory course which has given me the fundamental basics of music theory. I look forward to joining their next new course available.

Chris Koustoulidis

Chris Koustoulidis

I attended The School of Synthesis with a deep passion for electronic music without any musical background wanting to learn how to produce electronic music. I’ve completed the “Alive” with Ableton Live course, The Sound Design (Synthesis & Sampling) course and recently The Modern Music Theory course. I can say with great confidence that these guys are amazing people and tutors who helped teach me the fundamentals and techniques to producing and understanding how electronic music is made.

Dates
Days
Times
Duration
Price
Code
Spaces
 
Dates
05/02/2025 to 12/03/2025
Days
Wednesday
Times
19:00 - 22:00
Duration
6 Weeks
Price
$ 990
Code
25MMT1
Spaces
8
Dates
14/05/2025 to 18/06/2025
Days
Wednesday
Times
19:00 - 22:00
Duration
6 Weeks
Price
$ 990
Code
25MMT2
Spaces
9

Modern Music Theory

 

At School of Synthesis we cover MUSIC THEORY in a small class of between 1-9 people. This course teaches the principles and elements of Modern Music Theory.

Course Overview

Explore the field of music theory and melodic composition and how they are relevant in today’s production age. This course focuses on relevant music theory and that will help guide you in bringing out the feelings and colours that you want in your music.

Course content and features

  • Understand the differences between musical scales and how they give a track a particular harmonic sound and colour
  • Learn how to make epic uplifting or emotional tracks by choosing the right chords and scales
  • Study and practice writing melodies using scales, intervals and melodic motion
  • Explore the elements of rhythm such as meter, note placement, note length and accents
  • Write layered melodies and chord progressions using the principles of harmony
  • Learn how multiple musical elements interact using principles of Counterpoint and Syncopation

Course objectives

By the end of this course you should be able to:

  • Understand Scales, Intervals and melodic motion
  • Write leads and basslines in key using musical scales Combine leads, basslines and other melodic lines using musical Intervals
  • Write chord progressions using scale triads
  • Create advanced chords using chord inversions, extended and suspended chords
  • Write rhythmic arpeggiated melodies Gain an understanding of musical tension and its use in melodic composition
  • Combine music theories to develop a more melodic style with clear and precise harmonic structures
  • Understand the elements of rhythm and their effect on melody and harmony chord progressions and layered melodies using principles of harmony
  • Combine multiple musical parts to write a cohesive, consistent composition

 

EXCLUSIVE LEARNING TOOLS INCLUDED


Permanent access to our guides and articles in our Content Portal:

Each student gets access to detailed notes and references covering all courses
and providing a valuable ongoing and updated resource to aid learning
reinforcement.

Carbon Electra:
Each enrolment includes a software licence to use the award-winning Carbon
Electra, one of the world’s leading synthesizers.

School of Synthesis Producer Pack:
Each enrolment includes a carefully selected VST/AU plugin pack for Windows
and MAC OSX with everything you need to get producing, including some of the
best EQs, Compressors, FX and Limiters available.

Analogue Sequences:
Each enrolment includes an authorised download of the Loopmasters Analogue
Sequences pack designed by School of Synthesis trainers.

SOS Loopmasters Pack:
All SOS students receive 2 gigabytes of samples from the award-winning
Loopmasters collection.

Educational Discounts:
As an SOS student, you will be eligible for student discounts from Ableton,
Output, Fabfilter, Rob Papen, Plugin Boutique and more. Information on
educational discounts will be sent to you via email upon enrolment.

Learning methods:
Each session commences with a group demonstration and discussion, followed by
solo work on one of our eight Mac workstations where you will practise set
themes and techniques derived from real-world applications of the technology.
Upon demonstrating your command of the necessary skills you will be further
encouraged to add originality to your recreations and save various versions of
your work.

Additional resources and materials:
All hardware and software is supplied, though we recommend students bring a
storage device (eg. a portable USB drive) to save and back up all work, and a
pen and paper to take notes. We also recommend students own a PC or MAC.
Students can bring their own laptops to class so the tutor can assist with
setting up software like Rekordbox.

Assessment and feedback:
You will save successive work and will receive regular support, encouragement
and feedback from your tutor. All students will receive a t-shirt, sticker and
completion certificate upon the successful completion of the course. At the
conclusion of the course, you will be invited to leave feedback and evaluate
your experience, at which point we’ll email you a link to a suite of exclusive
sounds and various discount offers from the School and its partners to say
‘thanks’!